HAZARD ASSESSMENT. * areas that have a significant number of accidents and injuries (enabling the employer to make changes in processes)

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1 HAZARD ASSESSMENT The hazard assessment provision of the Personal Protective Equipment for General Industry final rule allows employers the flexibility to choose the PPE that is appropriate for each particular workplace situation. In addition to the regulatory requirements, doing a hazard assessment can also point out: * areas that have a significant number of accidents and injuries (enabling the employer to make changes in processes) * tools or equipment that should be repaired or replaced (before an accident occurs) * outdated or inefficient work practices. Hazard Assessment Procedure 1. Review injury and accident data 2. Inform employees of the process 3. Complete a walk-around survey 4. Analyze the data 5. Review, select and fit PPE 6. Ongoing re-assessment 7. Verify the hazard assessment through written certification.

2 HEAD PROTECTION Use the proper protection to shield yourself against: * an injury to the head from falling or flying objects * an injury from bumping the head against a fixed object * electrical shock hazards when working near exposed electrical conductors. Protective helmets (hard hats) are available in types and classes. Type 1 - full brimmed helmet Type 2 - brimless helmet Class A - general service helmet, LIMITED voltage protection Class B - utility service helmet, HIGH voltage protection Class C - general service helmet, NO voltage protection Safety Precautions * Check your helmet daily for signs of cracks, penetration or other damage * Do not drill or punch holes in your helmet to gain ventilation * Do not store your helmet on the rear window shelf of a vehicle * Do no use paint or cleaning materials on your helmet All protective helmets must meet ANSI standards.

3 FOOT PROTECTION Wearing the proper foot protection helps guard against: * injuries from objects falling or rolling over your feet * injuries from objects that could pierce the sole of your shoe or boot * exposure to electrical hazards * chemicals and solvents * temperature extremes * fungal infections caused by wetness. The basic safety shoe or boot is designed to guard against: 1. impact - from heavy materials or tools that could be dropped on your feet. 2. compression - from heavy objects such as carts, pipes or paper rolls that could roll over your feet. 3. punctures - from stepping on nails, scrap metal or other sharp objects. The most important element in a good safety shoe or boot is how well it fits you.

4 HAND PROTECTION Protect your hands daily from any of the following workplace hazards: * harmful substances that can be absorbed into your skin * materials or processes that could cause severe cuts, lacerations, abrasions or punctures * chemicals that could irritate your skin or enter your blood stream * temperature extremes * irritating substances that could result in a dermatitis. Common types of hand protection include: gloves finger cots mitts thimbles hand pads sleeves or forearm cuffs hand lotions or creams Remember, no glove can protect you against all hazards so select the appropriate gloves for the job based on the following: 1. the hazard(s) present 2. how often you will be exposed to the hazard 3. how long you will be exposed to the hazard 4. how much hand and finger movement is needed 5. the grip pattern needed for the job 6. how much of your arm is exposed to the hazard, such as chemical splashes.

5 EYE AND FACE PROTECTION A must to guard against the following hazards: * flying particles * molten metal * liquid chemicals * acids or caustic liquids * chemical gases or vapors * light radiation (resulting from welding, brazing or soldering operations). Types of Protection Safety glasses (with or without side shields) Goggles Face shields Welding helmets Filter lenses All eye and face protection must: * be adequate for the hazard * fit snugly * not interfere with your movements * be durable, easy to clean and capable of being disinfected * be kept in good repair * be distinctly marked with name or logo of manufacturer * meet ANSI standards.

6 RESPIRATORY PROTECTION This personal protective equipment is used to safeguard your respiratory system against the following: harmful dusts fumes gases sprays oxygen deficiency fogs mists smokes vapors Basic Types of Respiratory Protection (or respirators) Class 1: Air-purifying devices * disposable masks * half- or full-face mask * gas mask * power air-purifying respirator Class 2: Air-supplying devices * supplied-air respirators * self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) * combination of SCBA and supplied-air Class 3: Combination of air-purifying and air-supplying devices To provide the proper protection, respirators must fit you properly. Sideburns, mustaches or beards can interfere with proper fit and reduce protection.

7 HEARING CONSERVATION Because of the hazards associated with noise, OSHA requires that all workers exposed to 85 decibels for an 8-hour period be placed in a "hearing conservation program." As part of a hearing conservation program employers must: 1. monitor the noise level of the work site and identify those workers who are exposed to excessive noise 2. provide hearing tests within six months of exposure and every year thereafter 3. provide hearing protection at no cost 4. train all workers in the proper use and care of hearing protection 5. keep records of noise levels and employee hearing tests. Hearing protectors work by reducing the sound that enters your ear. The most commonly used devices are: disposable ear plugs reusable ear plugs headband ear plugs ear muffs All hearing protectors should be comfortable to wear and fit properly.